The captain heard him patiently to an end and then shook his head.
"I passed my word," he said, stiffly.
Mr.Stobell took his pipe out of his mouth again to offer a little encouragement.

"Tredgold has broke his word before now," he observed; "he's got quite a name for it." "But you would go out if it were not for that ?" inquired Tredgold, turning a deaf ear to this remark.
"Naturally," said the captain, smiling; "but, then, you see I did." Mr.Tredgold drummed with his fingers on the arms of his chair, and after a little hesitation asked as a great favour to be permitted to see the map.

As an estate agent, he said, he took a professional interest in plans of all kinds.
Captain Bowers rose, and in the midst of an expectant silence took the map from the bureau, and placing it on the table kept it down with his fist.

The others drew near and inspected it.
[Illustration: "The others drew near and inspected it."] "Nobody but Captain Bowers has ever seen the other side," said Mr.Chalk, impressively.
"Except my niece," interposed the captain.

"She wanted to see it, and I trust her as I would trust myself.